So, I live in southern California and I have a pool in my backyard. We swim in the pool most of the year. But, being in Southern California we are rather used to the warm weather and don’t use it much in the winter. For some reason this year a family of ducks seemed make our pool their new home. It looks nothing like the duck ponds I grew up next to in the midwest. However, they didn’t seem to care.

It first started out with just one or two ducks. My kids and I fed them and named them and it was kind of cute…until they informed all of their friends about the pool and free food. Suddenly, we had several ducks. We ran out of old bread, but that didn’t stop them. And soon, there were babies.

As you can imagine, with ducks and food came well…duck poop. It was in our pool, on our patio and somehow got tracked into the house onto our brand new carpets. I was fit to be tied. First plan of attack was to get the “stuff” cleaned up from the patio and pool. It left stains so that was not fun trying to get out. Then, my carpets. Thank goodness I found San Clemente Carpet Cleaning! They got everything out.

Next, how to get rid of the ducks… still working on that one. I am hoping that with warmer weather and migration patterns the ducks will kindly remove themselves.

During May and June and for a couple of weeks there will be tons of other birds visiting Southern California. I think some will stay for the summer months, but most of them will pass through. Maybe the ducks will follow the the ones passing through. All I know is that we will not be feeding any of the cute “ducks” next year. We will save that for the duck ponds at the park.

One of my favorite places to go in California is Disneyland. Let’s be honest, I’m an adult but I love being somewhere that I can act like a kid with no judgement! And what better place to visit my favorite duck, Donald!!

I can remember being so excited as a kid to wait in line for Donald’s autograph. He’s my favorite character, and I would make my poor parents wait in line as long as it took to meet him! Now, as an adult, I love taking my kids to go meet Donald and watch their little faces light up as soon as they lay eyes on that silly duck.

He’s a classic character that they love to see again and again, every time we visit Disneyland! It brings back such great memories from my own childhood, and it’s so wonderful to be able to make new memories with my own children!

Anyone who has been to Disneyland also knows there are ducks…everywhere. So many people eating at any outdoor food stand know how frequently these little guys like to approach you and ask ever-so-politely for some of your delicious food. I’m such a sucker for animals, and ducks are one of my favorites. I’m always one of those people sneaking them some bread when nobody is looking! But then I always run into the “bring a buddy” issue and before you know it there’s a whole flock of ducks sitting there looking up at me. Sorry guys, my hamburger bun can’t feed everyone!

There has definitely been more than one occasion where I’ve been on a boat ride and just so happen to float by a large group of ducks, looking like they’re just a part of the ride! I will never forget one time I was riding the Jungle Cruise, and from beginning to end there was a family of ducks that we kept seeing all during the ride. They were trying so hard to keep up with our boat, and all the kids absolutely loved it. The driver of the boat caught on pretty quickly that we had some “tag-alongs” and worked it into his jokes like it was nothing! It definitely made for a fun experience, and a great memory!

I guess there is more than one duck at Disneyland that can make your visit memorable!

I promise the blog won’t always be about the Anaheim Ducks. However, I am not sure how else to work through my disappointment at them not making the finals. I was too depressed to even write about it until now. Time to blog.

The series is 1-1 Chicago Blackhawks and Tampa Bay Lightning. I find myself spitefully cheering for Tampa Bay because I’m still mad at the Blackhawks for beating MY (yes MY) Ducks. So, last nights win was the highlight of my week.

If you didn’t see the game it was a great one. 4-3 Tampa Bay. In the 3rd period, Vasilevskiy, the 20 year old rookie from Russia stepped in for Bishop. No warm up, no warning, and the game was tied. That kid played like a veteran. 5 saves!

We still don’t know what Bishop’s injury is or why he left the ice. Maybe it was meant to be and a way to let Vasilevskiy’s light shine. He earned his first career playoff victory. In an interview, he said he a little nervous, but that he always keeps his head in the game and is always ready. I guess so! He was ready last night for sure.

The Stanley Cup Final’s first two games were split for only the second time since 2004. As game 3 approaches, I am surprised at how much of a Tampa Bay fan I am becoming. Honestly, I didn’t even know the name of the team, Lightning, until a couple of weeks ago. I am laughing at myself right now. Wonder if there are other sore looser Tampa Bay Lightning fans out there. Oh, to understand the behavior of humans.

I am sure I will be posting about the winner of the Stanley Cup, and I hope it is Tampa Bay. Sorry Blackhawks fans. I am just being real.

You probably thought you were going to see a duck hunting blog or a blog about Chesapeake ducks … ya I’ll add some info about that. But right now I want to talk about my favorite Ducks. That would be the Anaheim Ducks. Can you say PLAYOFFS?! For those of you who are not ice hockey fans – the Anaheim Ducks are a professional hockey team located in California and part of the Western Division.

I love playoff season and I especially love visiting the Ducks Stadium the Honda Center. Have you been there? Is it not one of the most impressive hockey arenas you’ve been to? And it’s located in southern California – one of the most beautiful places in the US if you like beaches and great weather.

Anyway, about my Anaheim Ducks. Yes, I said MY… cause you know when you are in the playoffs they suddenly become YOUR team? My team is up 2-1 in the second round of the playoffs. I was fortunate enough to get to go to the first game of the second round. Nothing like the buzz in the stadium when you walk in and especially when they score.

Waiting for the next game on Friday feels a little like waiting for Santa to come when I was six. As they are off in the wilderness of Banff, Fenlands Recreation Center watching wildlife and practicing for the next two days, I’ll be dreaming of them winning round two and playing the Blackhawks for the Stanley cup.

Welcome to my All Things Ducks blog. This is my first blog so I am not sure exactly what is going to become of it. I hope to make this about everything ducks. I will also be giving a shout out to some of my favorite places and businesses. Hope you find this entertaining and informative!